Sclerotherapy is the injection of veins with a substance which helps the veins heal closed, improving the appearance of varicose veins, telangiectasisas, and broken blood vessels.
What to Expect
Before Sclerotherapy
- Two weeks before sclerotherapy you should stop any aspirin or ibuprofen. If your primary doctor has prescribed any of these for you, you should check to see that it is OK before stopping.
- You should also avoid high dose vitamin E (a daily vitamin is ok) and any arthritis medications other than Tylenol® or acetaminophen.
- You may continue birth control pills or other hormones, but they may make regrowth of veins more likely.
- Purchase medical grade support stockings; pantyhose style.
Day of Sclerotherapy
- Don't shave (alcohol prep stings!)
- Your legs will be wrapped with Coban or Ace type wraps afterwards, so wear shorts or a swimsuit or baggy pants that can be pulled over your wraps.
- A very tiny needle is used to inject into the vein. This usually results in very little discomfort although you may get some itching or burning at the site either during the procedure or afterwards.
- Avoid standing still or sitting the day after your procedure. Lying down or moving about are best.
After Sclerotherapy
- Wear your wraps for 24 hours, then support stockings during the day for one week.
- Some pigmentation over the veins is normal and will resolve over the next several months.
- Call the clinic for any ulceration of the skin or swelling of the leg.
- You may need additional clean-up sessions timed about 1 month after each previous session.
